Interpretation ID: aiam1739
Mack Trucks
Inc.
Box M
Allentown
Pennsylvania 18105;
Dear Mr. Warmkessel:#This responds to the August 1, 1974, request o Mack Trucks, inc., that the painting of brake hose end fittings be permitted under the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 106-74.#In the preamble to amendments to the standard which were published June 28, 1974 (39 FR 24012, Docket No. 1-5, Notice 11), the NHTSA interpreted S5.2.3 as prohibiting the painting of end fittings because required labeling would be obscured.#New information indicates that spray painting of end fittings leaves their labeling visible in most cases and that, in the occasional instance where labeling is obscured, excess paint may be easily scraped off. In addition, painting protects the labeled and fittings against corrosion. Therefore, the NHTSA is changing its interpretation of this section, so that the painting of end fittings will not be considered a violation of the standard.#The issue of masking brake hose labeling will be dealt with in the next Federal Register Notice regarding Standard No. 106-74.#Yours truly,Richard B. Dyson,Acting Chief Counsel;